From Deseret News archives:

Former 'Idols' are finding success

Published: Tuesday, May 20, 2008 12:03 a.m. MDT
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When thinking of past "American Idol" competitors, it's often confusing trying to remember which ones actually won the televised singing competition and which have found their own fame merely by being on the show.

Here's a list. Some seasons were better than others. The breakdown:

Season 1, Kelly Clarkson: After winning, Clarkson signed with RCA Records, the label in partnership with "American Idol's" 19 Management. Clarkson's first single, "A Moment Like This," debuted at No. 52 but marked the biggest jump in Billboard Hot 100 History when it shot to No. 1 — breaking a record set by the Beatles. She has won two Grammy Awards, four American Music Awards and 12 Billboard music awards; one of only two "American Idols" to win the big three music awards.

Runner-up Justin Guarini, who is spotted in the audience from time to time, continues to act in independent films and works on jazz CDs. But third runner-up Tamyra Gray has been on Broadway — appearing in "Bombay Dreams" and "RENT."

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Season 2, Ruben Studdard: Released three albums after his win, debuting at No. 2 on the Billboard lists and garnering the "velvet teddy bear" nominations for Grammys, American Music Awards, BET awards, Soul Train awards and winning an Image Award in 2004. Studdard will be in Salt Lake City with the upcoming tour of "Ain't Misbehavin'."

But there was some controversy over the voting, which would later see the voting procedures changed, Studdard went up against the super-popular Clay Aiken. Aiken, surpassed in sales by only Clarkson and Carrie Underwood, has become the most successful male and most successful runner-up in "Idol" history, and he made his Broadway debut this year in "Spamalot."

Also from Season 2: Josh Gracin when on to record a country album and had three singles appear on the charts. Kimberly Locke has released two albums.

Season 3, Fantasia Barrino: Fantasia dropped her last name and went on to release an album in 2004 becoming the top-selling single that year and received four Grammy nominations for her double platinum debut album. Fantasia joined the Broadway cast of "The Color Purple" to critical acclaim and is signed on to star in the movie musical version.

More notably, Golden Globe and Academy Award winner Jennifer Hudson was discovered this season. Hudson came in seventh place during the competition and is the only "Idol" to win an Oscar.

Recent comments

David Archuleta really did win the American Idol, why did the program...

L. Allen | May 23, 2008 at 2:47 p.m.

Jordin has had incredible success for being such a young age. Her...

Megan | May 20, 2008 at 8:32 a.m.

Image

Season 1, Kelly Clarkson

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